A poll of dog owners in the UK has found that many have had to use money from their savings to cover treatment for their pet.
A large number of dog owners are finding it hard to pay for treatment when their pets fall ill, according to new research.
The poll by esure's pet insurance arm found that nearly a fifth (19 percent) of owners have used their credit card at the vets, while 14 percent have needed to take money from their savings. A small number (four percent) have even missed mortgage payments or household bills to look after their dog.
However, less than a third had pet insurance and, of those that did, nearly a quarter were planning on cancelling it because of the current economic downturn. A recent debate which included vets and pet insurance firms agreed that more education was needed for pet owners, with costs rising as treatments become more advanced.
"Although dog owners will be aware of the regular costs associated with looking after their pet - such as food, grooming and kennel fees - many overlook the possibility of facing unexpected bills for veterinary treatment," said the head of pet insurance at esure Mike Pickard. "It's crucial for dog owners to either have pet insurance or savings to cover potentially thousands of pounds worth of vet bills."
Additionally, different breeds of dogs were found to require different amounts of treatment. English Setters needed the most, with an average of £6,955 spent on them during their lifetime.
